Category Archives: News Western Europe

Europe France News Western Europe

Roma in Europe

Published by:

Roma in Europe

The European Union’s new strategy for combating discrimination against Roma, adopted on January 21, 2026, aims to address historical and institutional discrimination with more radical measures.

Roma, the largest ethnic minority in Europe, face significant socio-economic challenges, including high poverty rates and discrimination in access to education and healthcare.

The new strategy emphasizes education, equal rights, and political participation for Roma, while acknowledging the need to address broader societal issues that contribute to anti-Roma discrimination.

Greece News Eastern Europe News Western Europe Romania

Slavery

Published by:

Slavery

The article discusses the historical and contemporary devaluation of Roma lives, highlighting a 1852 advertisement for the sale of Roma slaves in Romania.

It explores the etymology of terms used for Romani people, noting the negative connotations associated with the word “Gypsy” and its implications of being marginalized and dehumanized.

The author reflects on societal attitudes towards Romani people, exemplified by the recent police killing of a young Romani man, emphasizing ongoing discrimination and violence against this community.

France News Western Europe

Published by:

Al the articles this week on Roma in France focused on two fires in two Roma camps in Nantes and Saint Herblain. In the “Prairie des Mauves” in Nantes, 10 hectares burnt down, most caravans were destroyed. In the other fire in Saint Herblain, nearly 8 hectares and several caravans burn down. Now nearly 200 people have nowhere to go.

According to the police, the fire in the Prairie des Mauves started when a car caught fire.

In Saint Herblain, one paper suggests that the Roma were invovled in planting canabis, although there are no proofs that the plants found were planted by Roma.

Austria News Western Europe

Harri Stojka

Published by:

Harri Stojka

Harri Stojka, born on July 22, 1957, in Vienna, is a prominent Austrian jazz guitarist known for blending jazz, blues, rock, and Roma musical traditions, which he calls “Gipsysoul.”

He began his musical career in the early 1970s, founded the Harri Stojka Express in 1973, and has performed internationally, gaining recognition for his work on Gypsy Jazz and his engagement with Roma culture.

Stojka has received numerous accolades, including the Golden Honorary Badge for services to the Republic of Austria, and continues to perform and release new music while advocating for the remembrance of Roma history and culture.

Greece News Western Europe

Social Integration

Published by:

Social Integration

The Greek Central Macedonia Region is implementing a targeted social integration program for vulnerable groups, allocating 3 million euros through regional funding to support Roma children and parents.

The program will cover seven municipalities with significant Roma populations, including areas in western Thessaloniki and the regions of Veria and Naousa.

The initiatives align with the National Strategy for Roma 2021-2030, aiming to enhance social cohesion and create a protective network for the most vulnerable social groups.

News Western Europe United Kingdom

Trash – Continued

Published by:

Trash – Continued

The reality show “The Secret Lives of Gypsy Wives” has faced backlash from the traveller community, who find it embarrassing and insulting, calling for it to be taken off air.

The show follows Trewley-Precious Wass, a TikTok star navigating her mixed Romani and non-Romani heritage, and her struggles with traditional gypsy rules imposed by her family.

Critics argue that the portrayal of gypsy wives in the show does not accurately represent the community and perpetuates negative stereotypes.

Greece News Western Europe

Police Operations

Published by:

Police Operations

Targeted police operations were conducted in Messinia, Argolis, and Corinthia as part of the Greek Police’s efforts to prevent and combat crime, particularly in areas inhabited by Roma communities. In Messinia, checks focused on camps in Meligalas, Panagakia, and Agia Triada, resulting in the arrest of 10 individuals for various offenses.

A 46-year-old Roma woman was arrested in Kalamata for not possessing a police identity card, and five traffic violations were recorded during the operations.

Seems meagre if, as the Greek press reports, Roma are responsible for the majority of the criminality in the country… What about the officials who embezzled millions of EU agrar help?

Greece News Western Europe

Heat and Roma

Published by:

Heat and Roma

The Community Center of Sparta conducted an awareness campaign to prevent heatstroke, focusing on local Roma settlements.

The initiative aimed to educate vulnerable populations about the dangers of extreme heat, particularly for children who are often outdoors during peak sun hours.

Social workers provided information and distributed illustrated pamphlets with safety tips to ensure the message was accessible to all age groups.

Nice but what about better housing?

Austria News Western Europe

Jenisch

Published by:

Jenisch

Markus Josl speaks Jenisch, a language influenced by German and Romani, which is now spoken by only a few people and is part of his cultural identity.

Jenische people share a mixed European culture with Roma, Sinti, and Jews, historically connected through travel and craftsmanship.

Josl, a Jenisch activist, aims to preserve his culture and language, advocating for political recognition of the Jenische as a distinct ethnic group in Austria.

News Western Europe United Kingdom

Trash

Published by:

Trash

Trewley-Precious Wass, a 26-year-old TikTok star, is featured in Channel 4’s reality series “The Secret Lives of Gypsy Wives,” showcasing her life as a half Romani gypsy and half Gorger.

The show highlights her struggle with family expectations, particularly regarding her career as an influencer, which contrasts with traditional Traveller customs.

Trewley-Precious has a unique full name and three sisters with equally distinctive names, and she shares a close bond with her brother, Jamie John, who supports her choices.

France News Western Europe

French Chronicle …

Published by:

French Chronicle …

Not much this week in France about Roma. A concert titled “Vent d’Est” in the South of France; the closure of acamp near Nantes will not be closed before next spring; and finally, an article about the accusation by the rightist oppposition in Nantes, that Roma were registered to vote (which by the way in legal for EU citizen to vote in local elections in France.

Austria News Western Europe

Roma in Burgenland

Published by:

Roma in Burgenland

The documentary “Roma in Burgenland – Stories We Tell Ourselves” by director Robert Dornhelm explores the history, culture, and current challenges faced by the Burgenland Roma, a group rooted in Austria for centuries but still facing prejudice and discrimination.

It spans from the 1930s to the present, highlighting the Roma’s vibrant culture through music, traditions, and personal stories, while also addressing their historical victimization.

The film features contributions from the Roma community and includes reflections on the legacy of figures like Charlie Chaplin, emphasizing themes of identity, memory, and dignity.

News Western Europe United Kingdom

Secret Lives …

Published by:

Secret Lives …

Do we need this: A series titled “the secret lives of Gypsy wives”. What a shame.

Trewley-Precious Wass, star of Channel 4’s ‘The Secret Lives of Gypsy Wives’, emphasizes that her show is distinct from ‘At Home With The Furys’, focusing on the lives of gypsy women rather than boxing culture.

The show explores Trewley’s experiences growing up with a Romani Gypsy father and a non-gypsy mother, highlighting her struggles with cultural identity and family expectations.

Trewley aims to inspire other women by showcasing that there are more options for gypsy women beyond traditional roles, advocating for personal freedom and self-discovery.

Bad and bad taste …

Germany News Western Europe

Exhibition

Published by:

Exhibition

The exhibition “The Thread That Holds” by Romnja artist Luna De Rosa opens on July 22, 2026, at Halle 116, focusing on exclusion, discrimination, and anti-Roma stereotypes.

This is the first art exhibition in the newly created space, commemorating the Porajmos, the genocide of Sinti and Roma during the Nazi regime, which remains underrecognized.

The event includes a moderated discussion with the artist and musical accompaniment, and the exhibition runs from July 22 to October 4, 2026, with free admission during regular hours.

Greece News Western Europe

Brawl in Greece

Published by:

Brawl in Greece

Serious incidents occurred in the early hours of Thursday (July 16) in the Prosfygika in a refugee area of Patras, where two groups of Roma clashed, resulting in two injuries and subsequent hospitalizations, along with two arrests.

A report indicated that around midnight, near the intersection of Smyrnis and Nikaias streets, an individual snatched a chain from a woman’s neck, prompting her to call for help, which escalated into significant disturbances. Strong police forces arrived at the scene, leading to the detention of three individuals and the formation of a case against two others.

Bad for all.

Austria News Eastern Europe News Western Europe Ukraine

Racism in Austria

Published by:

Racism in Austria

32 Ukrainian Roma children were unjustly accused of theft, highlighting issues in the integration of these children in German language classes.

The incident reflects deep-rooted anti-Roma prejudices and the inadequate response of authorities to racism allegations.

Ukrainian Roma families often have many children, and in Wals Siezenheim, all school-age children were placed in a special class, raising concerns about educational equity.

News Western Europe Spain

Etnosur Festival

Published by:

Etnosur Festival

The Etnosur festival will kick off the filming of “Voces Gitanas desde el Sur,” a documentary aimed at highlighting the social, educational, political, and cultural contributions of the Roma community in Granada and Jaén.

The project, led by the La Comunitaria association and part of the European ROVA initiative, seeks to combat stereotypes by sharing real stories from prominent figures within the Roma community.

The filming will begin on July 18 with a cultural event featuring flamenco music and international dance, culminating in a performance by the DHOAD Gypsies of Rajasthan, promoting cultural exchange between Eastern and Western Roma roots.

Austria News Western Europe Sweden

Lars Lindgren

Published by:

Lars Lindgren

Lars Lindgren focused on the cultural and linguistic rights of Roma in Sweden, emphasizing the importance of preserving their identity in modern society.

His 2011 report highlighted that legal recognition is insufficient if Roma still face discrimination and fear of revealing their heritage.

Lindgren advocated for better educational resources and awareness of Roma history and culture, asserting that Roma rights are intertwined with issues of culture, recognition, and human dignity.

Italy News Western Europe

Corsa degli Zingari

Published by:

Corsa degli Zingari

The ‘Corsa degli Zingari’ is an ancient tradition in Abruzzo, characterized by elements of faith, devotion, and competition, officially presented for the 2026 edition scheduled for September 6 in Pacentro.

The event, dedicated to the worship of the Madonna di Loreto, attracts many participants who run barefoot through challenging terrain, showcasing the blend of sacred and profane elements in the culture.

Local officials emphasize the event’s growing international recognition and its role in promoting tourism and cultural heritage in the region.

Austria News Western Europe

Ukrainian Roma in Austria

Published by:

Ukrainian Roma in Austria

According to the UN Special Rapporteur on Racism, 32 Roma children from Ukraine were held for one and a half hours in their classroom due to suspicions of mobile phone theft.

The incident, which occurred on October 16, 2025, is documented in a UN report, but the Salzburg education authority denies the events as described.

rroma.org
en_GBEN
de_DEDE fr_FRFR en_GBEN